Even a below-par Steven Gerrard has the personality to influence games, David Platt told Sky Sports News.
'Captain's dynamism will see him through dip'
England supporters should not be overly concerned about Steven Gerrard's form, according to David Platt.
Fabio Capello's captain has struggled to exert his usual influence on games in recent months and was again quiet as the Reds fell to defeat at rivals Manchester United on Sunday.
But Platt, a former England skipper himself, believes Gerrard's dip is only noticeable in the context of the high standards he has consistently achieved throughout his career.
He told
Sky Sports News: "I'm not worried. I think his performance levels haven't been up to the standard of Steven Gerrard's performance levels, and there is the key.
"He's still been driving his team forward - if you ask anybody who comes up against Liverpool if they'd want to play against a Steven Gerrard who's out of form or not have him in the team, every opposition manager would not have him in the team.
"He's such a dynamic player, such a powerful player that he's always going to do something in the game. His performance levels haven't been there but that's because of the standards he's set himself.
"He'll be aware of that, players go in and out of form, and I don't think there's any worry about it going into the World Cup."
Opportunities
Platt believes Gerrard's history with and sense of obligation to his hometown club have been a factor in his performances.
He said: "It's been a difficult season for him - he's the captain of the club he's stayed at when he's had opportunities to move.
"This season's been a poor season for Liverpool, and he's probably been affected by it moreso than others.
"When he sees players at his level going and winning things (elsewhere) perhaps that's something that's harming him. But I wouldn't have any worries whatsoever because mentally he's so strong as well."
